Books, Other Publications &
Film

Thom is the author and
co-author of ten books:

• As lf the Earth Matters – Recommitting to Environmental Education;

• Krabi-Caught in the Spell A Guide to South Thailand’s Natural Wonders;

• River of Mist, Journey of Dreams; Islands at the Edge – Preserving the Queen
  Charlotte Archipelago;

• Rediscovery, Ancient Pathways – New
  Directions;

• Penan – Voice for the Borneo Rainforest;

• Waterfalls & Gibbon Calls – Exploring Khao Sok National Park;

• Reefs to Rainforests/Mangroves to Mountains – A Guide to South Thailand’s Natural
  Wonders;

• A Seed of Hope;

• Living Legend of the Mentawai

Along with his books, Thom has written many magazine articles and assisted
in the production of two movies:  “Rediscovery – The Eagle’s Gift”
and “The Penan – A Disappearing Civilization of Borneo.”

As if the Earth Matters – Recommitting to Environmental Education
Thai Nature Education Co. Ltd. , 273 pp. (2006)
Co-author & photographer (first printings)
US$15

Has environmental education “flat lined”? Has the early promise of an eco-aware and conscientious human population really materialized in the four decades of the “environmental movement,” or are our schools still stuck in the rut of picking up litter and recycling paper and pop cans?

As if the Earth Matters calls for action beyond eco-awareness. It advocates moving young minds and hearts to a deeper sense of belonging with Nature and stewardship towards it.

Teaching kids about air toxins before they’ve ever had an opportunity to behold the wonder of the stars in a clear night sky, or feel a fresh clean wind upon their face, does not empower them. The authors set out to reverse the current teaching trend towards information overload and dis-empowerment. They propose deeper sensory experiences in the outdoors, experiential exercises that review a love for the Earth and inspire young people to have hope in the future.

For more information or to purchase the book, go to the following link: http://asiftheearthmatters.wordpress.com/

KRABI – Caught in the Spell, A Guide to Thailand’s Enchanted Province
Thai Nature Education Co. Ltd. 273 pp., (2003)
Author and photographer (1st printing)
US$17.99

The author brings to life Krabi’s special attractions, its fascinating peoples, and its amazingly rich natural history. Personal reflections provide insight into Thai ways and the often humorous situations foreign visitors may find themselves in.

With more than 400 stunning color images, detailed region by region maps, an extensive service directory and captivating short stories, this book is an indispensable guide for planning a trip to Krabi, a fun read while you’re there, and the perfect keepsake of your journey.

 

Islands at the Edge –
Preserving the Queen Charlotte Archipelago


Douglas & McIntyre,
Vancouver, 160 pp. (1984)
Co-author & designer of this highly acclaimed best seller. (numerous
printings)
US$25

One hundred kilometres off British Columbia’s mainland coast, perched on the edge of Canada’s Pacific continental shelf, lie the Queen Charlotte Islands. At their southern end is a naturalist’s dream, an archipelago of 138 islands and 42 freshwater lakes known as South Moresby. It has 1,600 kilometres of coastal shoreline, bathed by the nutrient-rich waters of north Pacific. That and its climate, tempered by warm offshore currents, make it one of the world’s most amazing natural habitats. To biologists it is known as the Canadian Galapagos; the Haida Indians, for whom it is a traditional home, call it Gwaaia Haana, “Place of Wonder.”

Savour it for the power of its images, for the cause it espouses. For here is a corner of the earth that can still inspire wonder and that must be cherished and protected.

 

Rediscovery, Ancient Pathways, New Directions


Lone Pine
Publishing, Edmonton, 288 pp. (1989, 1996)
Author and photographer – Canadian best seller. (3rd printing)
US$20

For more than 30 years,
the Rediscovery program has drawn from the timeless wisdom of native
Elders.  Youth of all ages and backgrounds are inspired to discover and
respect the world within themselves, the cultural worlds between them and the natural world around them. The
book reflects the contributions of more than thirty different native
cultures represented in the Rediscovery circle of wilderness camps.

This expanded edition
includes more than 130 activities based on the spirit of sharing and
caring communicating with other cultures, and connecting with our natural
environment.

Schools and youth groups everywhere will be able to use these
activities when they gather to reacquaint themselves with their place in
Nature.

 

Penan – Voice for the Borneo Rainforest


Western Canada
Wilderness Committee, Vancouver, 158 pp. (1990)
Co-author and photographer.
US$20

Just a half century ago, anthropologists were debating as to whether or not the Penan existed. Now the Penan’s complex nature-based culture and the jungle world that gave it birth are threatened with destruction. Reading this book, you will realize in your heart that these gentle people of the rainforest and their contribution to the understanding of nature must be preserved. You will also find out what you can do to make sure that “they have a way to stay.”

 

Waterfalls &
Gibbon Calls – Exploring Khao Sok National Park
Baan Thom Publishing, 144 pp. (1996, 1999, 2005)
Author and photographer. (3rd printing)
Distributed by Asia Books, Bangkok
US$11

Nowhere in the south of Thailand is there a larger protected area for wildlife, more stunning scenery, or more opportunities for wilderness recreation than Khao Sok National Park. And nowhere does a guide book offer you more: natural and human history, detailed descriptions of flora and fauna, suggested itineraries, complete species lists, wildlife track guide, adventure maps and trail highlights, how to get there, when to to, what to bring, and much more.

With 88 pages of stunning color photography and beautifully hand painted illustrations, this book will both lure you to Khao Sok and be the perfect keepsake of your journey.

 

Reefs to
Rainforests/Mangroves to Mountains – A Guide to South Thailand’s Natural
Wonders


Baan Thom
Publishing, 227 pp. (1995)
Author and photographer.
Distributed by Asia Books, Bangkok
US$13

Easy to read, this
richly illustrated, user-friendly field guide is the perfect pocket
companion for anyone wanting to know more about south Thailand’s rich and
varied natural environments. From the coral reefs to the inter tidal flats,
from the mangrove swamps to the darkest caves, from the evergreen tropical
forest to the highest misty mountains, the award-winning author introduces the
reader to more than 150 of Natures most amazing creatures.

Detailed maps of the
best place to go, tips for eco travelers, brilliant color photos, and a
passionate plea for conservation make this book both invaluable and
timely.

 

A Seed of Hope


Baan Thom
Publishing, 196 pp. (2000)
Author and photographer.
Distributed by Asia Books, Bangkok
US$10

A
privileged teenager, lost in the tragedy of his loveless life, finds
escape–first in street drugs, then in a jungle, half a word away.

The
peculiar circumstances which put the boy there pale in comparison to the
life and death struggles he now finds himself in. Terrifying tropical
storms, raging rivers, deadly snakes, blood-sucking leeches  and a hostile
government confront the young man, but it is his own inner fears which
challenge him most.

Ironically, it is a remnant of humanity’s most archaic past–the last
nomadic forest dwellers of Borneo, that offer the boy, and the world, the
prospect of hope for the future.

A
brilliant blend of fact and fiction; the author takes us to a place few
have ever been, and brings us back renewed.

“I have just read your wonderful book “A Seed of Hope“. I wanted to say thank you… It is a great message. A message of Love, Peace of Understanding. I wish all the leaders of the world would take the time to read it too!”

Anne Longuier UNIS, Hanoi, Vietnam

 

Living Legend of
the Mentawai
Baan Thom Publishing, 168 pp. (2001)
Author and Photographer.
Distributed by Java Books, Jakarta
US$25

Dramatic color
photos, delightful illustrations and an engaging text bring to life, for
the first time, the amazing tribes people of Siberut Island, Indonesia and
their living legends.

This book is much more than a portrait of a people and their
profound sense of place, it is a mirror reflecting our own social values—a
pulse check on humanity’s heartbeat.

Living Legend of the
Mentawai is a rare and revealing insight into one of the world’s last
Neolithic societies, a society that may have less to teach us about our
primitive past than to inspire us in our collective future.

 

Other Publications

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1996

• Phuket Magazine – “Khao Sok National Park – the Jewel in the Crown” (Feature)    

1997

• Bangkok Air In Flight Magazine – “Nature’s Oldest Orchestra” (Feature)

1998

• Phuket Magazine – “Nature’s Orchestra (Feature)

1999

• Phuket Magazine – “Mani – Nomads of the Endless Rainbow, Children of the
  Wandering Moon” (Feature)

2000 

• Phuket Magazine – “It’s a Bloomin’ Jungle Out There” (Feature)

2001

• Phuket Magazine – “A Week Without Walls” (Feature)
• Phuket Magazine – “Uncle Chai” (Feature)
• Fah Thai -In Flight Magazine – “Secrets of the Karsts & Caves” (Feature)

2002

• Phuket Magazine – “Gibbon Rehabilitation” (Feature)
• Phuket Magazine – “Islands In The Sky –The World’s Longest Reef” (Feature)
• Phuket Magazine – “Thale Noi — Thailand’s Alice In Wonderland Wetland” (Feature)

2003

• The Talking Feather (Rediscovery International Foundation) – “Rediscovery around the world” Winter 2003
• Phuket Magazine – “Learning to Love and to Cherish”
• Phuket Magazine – “Dreaming the Future” Volume 14 No. 4
• Phuket Magazine – “Wilderness Man” Volume 14 No. 4
• Fah Thai Magazine – “A Floating Classroom” – (Feature)
• Fah Thai Magazine – “Through the Barrel of the Lens” – (Feature)
• Tropical Homes Magazine – “The Trouble with Tourism” – (Environment Report)

2004

• Tropical Homes Magazine – “A Bloomin Good Idea” – (Environment Report)
• Tropical Homes Magazine – “Talking Drums” – (Environment Report)
• Phuket Magazine – “Tsunami Sense” (Feature)
• Phuket Magazine – “Celebrating Survival” (Feature)

2005

• Phuket Magazine – “Moken Immersion” (Feature)
• Phuket Magazine – “Don’t Rush Ranong ” (Feature)
• Phuket Magazine – “Courage of the Sea ” (Feature)
• Phuket Magazine – “In Search of Serow “

2006

• Phuket Magazine – “Finding Nemo? – Good Luck!” (Feature)
• Phuket Magazine – “Where are South Thailand’s Trails? ” (Feature)
• Phuket Magazine – “Cute, But Not so Cuddly” (Feature)

2007

• Phuket Magazine – “Muslims in Moken Land” (Feature)
• Phuket Magazine – “A Lifelong Love of Learning” (Feature)
• Phuket Magazine – “A New Look at the World’s Biggest Bloom” (Feature)
• Tropical Homes Magazine – “Why It Pays to Save the Shade” (Feature)

Film

1983

“Rediscovery – The
Eagles Gift” – assisted in fundraising, production and editing phase of
this award winning documentary by Peeter Prince

1989
“The Penan – A Disappearing Civilization of Borneo” – assisted in
fundraising, production and editing, Endangered Peoples Project
Production presented to the Congressional Human Rights Caucus, Washington, DC.

2006
“Live Interview on the Vicky Gaboreau Show” – CBC Television, Vancouver, Canada